Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

To achieve expertise as beginning level nurse scientists, students are educated and socialized for their roles both didactically through course work, seminars and tutorials and experientially through research assistantships, collaboration with faculty mentors and independent research. Students receive a strong foundation in scientific inquiry with a focus on a clinically relevant area for scholarship and research.

Students are encouraged to prepare three publishable articles related to their dissertation focus, research process and findings, or a substantive grant application and two publishable articles in lieu of the traditional dissertation format.

"Earning the​ Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree​ from the University of San Diego was the best decision of my nursing career. The high quality program, innovative research opportunities, and expert faculty support exceeded my expectations and have provided endless opportunities for professional development. Admitting students as a cohort provided the chance to network and collaborate with other nursing scholars on the same journey. I am so grateful to the University of San Diego and its mission to serve the profession of nursing and ultimately patients and their loved ones." -Kim Failla, PhD, RN